Semiautomatic bowling pin setter



Sept. 7, 1954 E. HEDENsKoQG 2,688,486

SEUIAUTOMATIC BOWLING PIN SETTER Filed Ilarch 2, 1949 9 Sheets-Sheet l SePt- 7, 1954 E. HEDr-:NsKooG sEMIAuToMATIc BOWLING PIN SETTER 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 2, 1949 Sept. 7, 1954 E. HEDENsKooG SEMIAUTOMAT'IC BOWLING PIN sETTER 9 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed March 2, 1949 Sept. 7, 1954 E. HEDENsKooG 2,688,486

sEMIAuToMATIc BOWLING PIN SETTER Filed March 2, 1949 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 /Z'jj@ ff-f @6 SePt- 7, 1954 E. HEDENsKooG sEMIAUToMATIc BOWLING PIN sETTER 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed March 2. 1949 I Sept. 7, 1954 E, HEDENSKOOG 2,688,486

SEMIAUTOMATIC BOWLING PIN SETTER Filed March 2, 1949 9 Sheets-Sheet 6 BW @Q2 /Z arvzg.

Sept' 7, 1954 E. HEDENsKooG SEMIAUTOMATIC BOWLING PIN sETTER 9 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed March 2, 1949 Sept. 7, 1954 E. HEDENSKOOG SEMIAUTOMATIC BOWLING PIN SETTER Filed March 2, 1949 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 Sept. 7, 1954 E. HEDENsKooG SEMIAUTOMATIC BOWLING PIN SETTER 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 Filed March 2, 1949 Patented Sept. 7, 1954 UNITED STATES PATENT QFFICE SEMIAUTOMATIC BOWLING PIN SETTER Ernest Hedenskoog, Muskegon, Mich., assignor to The Brunswick-Balke-Collender Company, Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Delaware Application March 2, 19h49, Serial No. 79,928

8 Claims. l

a semi-automatic bowling pinsetter which may be readily installed above the pin deck of a bow ing alley; which is smooth and quietin ope tion; which requires a relatively small amount'l' of power for its actuation; which embodies a gear box having a crank on its output shaft connected to actuate the pinsetter deck and arranged to rotate the crank through a single lrevolution when once started by an operator;

which has a pinsetter deck structure mounted for vertical movement from an upper pin receiving position to a lower pin setting position and return and is counter-balanced to avoid peak loads on the driving motor; which embodies safety release mechanism which functions to interrupt the drive to the deck structure in the event the deck encounters an obstruction; which embodies a means for locking up the safety release mechanism as the deck reaches its lower or pin setting position to prevent the release mechanism from operating during the pinsetting operation; which has a deck structure adapted to receive and set bowling pins on the alley bedas the deck structure reaches its pinsetting position; and which embodies means operable to pick up the pins previously set on the bowling alley when so desired, by an operator.

Further objects and advantages will become readily apparent in the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a rear elevational view of a preferred form of the invention installed on the kickbacks of a bowling alley and above the pin spots thereof;

Fig. 2 is a vertical section approximately along the line 2--2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a plan view;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged vertical section along the lines 5--5 of Figs. 1 and 6;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical section along the line B--G of Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical view 2 its downward movement;

of the crank drive mechanism with the parts in the positions assumed when the deck struc ture is in its raised position;

Fig. 8 is a view along line 8 8 of Fig 7;

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary section along the line 9 9 of Fig. 7;

Fig. 10 is a view similar to Fig. 7 but with the parts in the positions assumed when the deck structure is in its lowered position;

Fig. 11 is another View similar to Fig. 7 but with the parts in the posit" y assumed when the deck structure meets ai `bs`truction during Fig. 12 is a fragmentary` p rspective view, partly diagrammatic, of the deck structure;

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary plan view of the deck structure with the major portion of the top plate broken away; v

Figs. 14, 15 and 16 are vertical sectional views along the lines lli-I4, |5--l5 and Iii-I6, respectively of Fig. 13;

Fig. 15-a is a fragmentary plan view of a part of the deck structure shown in Fig. 15.

While there is illustrated in the drawings and shall herein be described in detail a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular form and arrangement shown, it being contemplated that various changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

In the drawings, a preferred form of the invention is shown in position over the rear end of a bowling alley bed 20 and comprises generally a deck structure A provided with pin receiving and setting means thereon which is mounted for movement from a, raised or pin receiving position as shown in Fig. 1 to a lowered or pin setting position adjacent the bed 20. The deck structure as well as the other parts of the machine are supported by a supporting frame indicated generally at B. The deck structure is an improvement on the construction of U. S. Letters Patent No. 2,284,208 to Ernest Hedenskoog, dated May 26, 1942, and includes a deck frame 46 generally triangular in shape (Fig. 3) and provided with ten pin receiving pockets numbered I to I6 in the manner generally used for bowling alley pin positions and arranged in accordance with the pin spots on the alley bed. Chutes I l to guide the pins into the pockets and to aid in supporting the pins in reclining positions with their head ends to the rear (right as in Fig. 2) are provided at each pocket by pressing down portions of the sheet metal top of the frame 46. Opposite the chute the edge of each pocket bears a shield I2 which prevents the pins from overshooting the pocket when inserted by an operator and tends to guide the pins into the pocket as they are tossed onto the frame by an operator. When the deck structure is in its upper position the pins normally assume the reclining position shown for pin P in Fig. 2, the bottom of the pin then resting upon an inclined ledge I3 and the upper portion of the pin resting against the lower edge of the chute I I. The deck frame carries a plurality of rubber bumpers or pads Id `on the lower portion thereof which are arranged to engage the alley bed when the setter frame reaches its lowermost position. The mechanism for setting the pins and which includes for each pin pocket a front jaw or shoe I5 and a rear jaw or shoe I5, is actuated to swing the pins from the reclining positions to upright positions on the valley pin spots after the pads I4 engage the alley bed, as Vhereinafter more fully described.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the bowling alley bed 2|) is located between gutters 2| and a2 and kickbacks 23 and 24. Upstanding from the kickbacks is the supporting frame B including vertical tubular member 25 and 26, horizontal top members 2l and 28, :and inclined braces 29 and 3B. A pair of parallel lhorizontal tubular members 3| and l32 lextend between the top members 21 and 28 andare secured thereto by means of -U-clamps 33. Somewhat centrally of the members 3| and 32 is a casting 34 (Figs. l and 3-(5). This casting has ya horizontally extending plate portion overlying the adjacent portions of the members 3| and 32 and secured thereto by a plurality of U-clamps `35. The casting has a vertically extending tubular portion 31 from which bif'urcated lugs 33 and 39 extend horizontally to support pivot pins 4|) and 4I. Bell crank levers 42 and `I3 are pivoted respectively on the pins 4D and 4I, and have outwardly extending arms 44 :and 45 respectively, which are connected to a deck frame 4S of the deck structure A by 4means of rod devices 41 and 4S. These serve to hang the deck structure from the bell crank levers. Normally, the vdeck vstructure is counterweighted or biased to its raised position by means of a coiled spring *49 (Figs. 5 and 6) located within the `tubular portion 37 of the casting 34 and a tube 59 extending upwardly therefrom. A cap `5| is secured to `the upper end of the tube 5|) and a rod 52 extends through an aperture in the cap and down within the'coiled spring 49 to the lower end of the tubular portion 3l. At its lower end the rod `52 has a head 53 which interlocks with the adjacent surface 54 on the member 34 and is prevented from moving upwardly the tubular portion 3'! of the casting 34.

The coiled spring 49 is located between a collar 55 which is held on the upper portion of the rod 52 by means of a bushing 56 screw-threaded on the rod and a bushing -5'1 which is slidable on the rod and cngages the upper end of a centrally bored member 58 which also slidably surrounds the rod. The member 58 has radial slots 59 and 39 in its opposite sides and carries pins 3| and 62 to which the lower ends of the links 63 and 64 are connected, respectively. The upper ends of the links are pivotally connected to pins E5 and G3 on short arms El and 98 of the bell crank levers 42 and 43, respectively.

With the deck structure in the raised position shown in Figs. 1, 5 and 6, the coil spring 49 is in a compressed state and pushes downwardly on the member 58, thereby pushing downwardly on the links 63 and 64 and exerting forces on the bell crank levers 42 and 43 to maintain the bell crank levers in they position shown in Fig. l and the deck structure in its raised position. As the deck structure is moved downwardly by mechanism hereinafter described, the bell crank levers pull the links 93 and 64 upwardly thereby further compressing the spring 49 to fa point where it is effective to raise the Ideck structure after the deck structure moves down and deposits a set of pins on the alley 20. Preferably, the upper end of the rod 52 is anchored in the cap 5I by means of a nut 69 to maintain the rod `52 centrally of the tube 5t. The rods 41 and 48 are pivotally 'connected at their upper ends to the bell crank levers by pins 'IU and 1I (Fig. l) and at their lower ends are pivotally connected to lugs 'I2 and E3 on the deck structure by means of pins 'lll and l5.

During its vertical movements the deck structure s guided by means rof a pair of vertically extending channel members 16 and ll Which'are integral with bracket members 'I8 and '1.9, re.- spectively, these bracket Ymembers having horizontally extending angular portions and -8I,

respectively, clamped to the tubular member .3| and 32 by means of U-clamps 82. Bars 83 and 94 are secured at their lower ends rigidly to the deck structure by vmeans of horizontal plates and 8G respectively, which .are riveted to the frame of the deck structure. These bars are yreinforced by webs 83 and l84 respectively and carry vertically spaced rollers 87 and 88 which operate in the tracks formed by the channel members 'I6 and 11 to form a vertical guide means for the deck structure.

If desired, the deck structure may be actuated manually by means including a horizontally extending handle 9|) (Figs. 1 to 3) the opposite ends of which are secured to a pair of levers 9| and 92 having their forward ends supported on pivot pins .93 carried on clamps 94 on the tubular member 32. These levers form part of toggle mechanisms. Intermediate their ends, the levers 9| and 92 Icarry pivot pins 95 connected to the upper ends of links 9S, the lower ends of which are connected by pins 91 to mechanism of the deck structure A as hereinafter described. By `pressing downwardly on the handle 90, force is exerted through the links 9B to move the deck structure downwardly from the loading position, during which movement it is guided by the rollers 81 and 88 in the vertical channels I6 and TI, the links 9G moving closer to a vertical position as the deck structure reaches the bottom of its stroke. Release of the handle by the operator permits the spring 49 to reelevate the deck structure.

A power drive mechanism for the pinsetter is carried on a framework supported on the parallel tubular members 3| and 32. As shown herein, the framework comprises parts |00, IllI, and |02 suitably bolted together and secured to the tubular members 3| and 32 by means of bolts |03 and clamp members |64 (Fig. 2). An electric motor 05 is bolted to the upper portion |06 of the framework and has a shaft |01 connected by means of a flexible coupling |38 to a speed reducer in a casing |39 which consists of a worm H3 on an input shaft III and a wormwheel II2 which is rotatably mounted on an output shaft H3. The wormwheel II2 has integrally formed thereon, or otherwise rigidly attached thereto, a clutch member IM (Fig. 8). An opposing clutch member I I5 is slidably splined on the output shaft H3 so that when t'he clutch members are engaged the output shaft I3 is driven by the motor through the speed reduction gearing ||0, ||2.

The motor and speed reduction gearingare so selected that the shaft I 3 makes a single revolution during the downward and return upward movement of the deck structure A during a pinsetting operation. This permits the use of a crank v 6 on the shaft I I3, the crank being suitably sel ing the pinsetting period and a smooth stop for the deck structure in its raised position. The

crank ||6 is connected to drive the deck structure by means including a connecting Irod I I1 formed of two relatively movable parts I|8 and I|9. The part ||8 has its lower end slotted at |20 to facilitate securing said lower end to a link |2| extending upwardly from a tubular cross rod |22 between the levers 9| and 92. A plate member ||8 is slidably secured to the part I|8 by means of bolts I I6 so that the plate can be moved to the position shown in Fig. 7 when the drive mechanism is engaged and a pin |23 on the upper end of the link I2I is secured in the slot |28. Preferably, the link I2I is braced by means of a rod |24 secured between the pin |23 and the handle 90 as shown in Figs. 3 and 5, and by a bent cross rod |24. When the pinsetter is to be operated manually the part I I8 is disengaged from the pin |23 and swung to the dotted line position of Fig. where it is held by a spring clip |24l on the casting.

The upper end of the connecting rod part ||9 carries a needle bea-ring |25 which engages a pin |26 secured to the end of the crank |I6. Normally, the connecting rod parts |I8 and I|9 are secured yieldably together at a slight angle, sho-wn in Figs. 5, 7 and 10, by means of a detent device comprised of a spring-pressed ball |29 located in a bore in a casing ISI] on the part I I8 and pushed by a coiled spring I3 I, the compression of the coil spring being adjustable by means of a screw device |32 screw-threaded into the opposite end wall |33 of said casing. The spring-pressed ball |29 is adapted to engage in a shallow recess |34 in a collar |35 which is secured toy a short shaft |36 by means of a pin |31, the short shaft passing through a bore |38 in the part |I8 and being welded or otherwise suitably secured to the adjacent end |39 of the connecting rod part IIS as shown most clearly in Fig. 9.

The connecting rod is formed in two relatively movable parts so that if, during the descent of the deck structure, the deck structure encounters an obstruction, the power drive will be rendered ineffective and thereby prevent injury to the deck structure and the olostructionf In view of the relatively slight angle between the connecting rod parts as shown in Fig. 7, a detent device such as a spring-pressed ball |29 serves to hold the parts in this position in the absence of an obstruction. If, however, an obstruction is encountered, the

spring-pressed ball moves out of the recess |34 and rolls around the collar |35 while the connecting rod pa-rts I I8 and I9 swing with respect to each other as shown in Fig. 11.

The peak load encountered rby the motor and drive mechanism during a pinsetting operation occurs when the deck structure reaches the alley whereupon the pins carried thereby are simultaneously up-ended from reclining positions to vertical positions and then centered on pin spots on the alley bed. In order to have the release mechanisms in the drive effective to prevent injury to the deck structure or the obstruction it encounters, it is necessary that the release mechanisms operate to disrupt the drive even though the load on the drive mechanism, due to an obstruction, is below peak load. To permit such a setting of the release mechanism and still obtain satisfactory operation of the pin setter at the peak load when the pins are up-ended, a means is provided for rendering the release mechanism ineffective during the pinsetting operation. As disclosed herein this means consists of mechanism for locking the parts I8 and I I9 together to prevent relative pivotal movement therebetween.

The upper end |40 of the connecting rod part II 8 extends beyond the pin |36, as shown most clearly in Figs. '7 to 1l. This end is provided with a transverse slot |4I into which a pin |42 on connecting rod part IIS moves as the parts assume the slight angular lpositions shown in Figs. 7y to 10. As the pin |42 reaches the bottom of the slot |4| the spring-pressed ball |28 enters the recess |34. Thus the piny |42 and slot |4| facilitate the operation of the spring-pressed ball to secure the parts I I 8 and I I9 releasably in their drive positions as shown in Figs. 7 to 10.

The end |40 of the connecting rod part I I8 has a projecting portion |43 which, when the parts are in the positions shown in Figs. 7 to 10, has its side surface |44 lying alongside a slot |45 in the part IIS. A pin |46 is slidably mounted in the slot |45 and is movable from the position shown in Fig. 'I (where it is when the crank |I6 extends upwardly) to the position shown in Fig. 10 as the crank II6 reaches the position during its clockwise rotation wherein the pins are about to be set. With the pin |46 in the position shown in Fig. 10, the pin locks against the surface v|44 of the projection |43 and thereby prevents relative movement between the connecting rod parts I I8 and |I9.

To move the pin |46 into its locking position, the pin is herein shown formed on one end of a rod |41 extending longitudinally of and carried slidably on the conencting rod .part |I9. As shown best in Figs. 8 and 9 the rod |41 is slidably supported in a casing |48 which has lugs |49 and |50 by which it is secured to the part ||9. At its upper end the rod |41 carries a roller I5I which engages a cam member I 52 secured rigidly to the end of the crank H6. The cam |52 has a single lobe |53 which extends upwardly as shown in Fig. 7 when the mechanism is idle but which rotates to the position shown in Fig. 10 and operates to depress the roller I5| and rod |41 and thereby move the lock pin |46 into the position shown in Fig. 10, during a pin settingI operation.

As an added protection and to .prevent injury to the machine in the event there is an obstruction preventing operation -of the pin setting mechanism after the deck structure has reached the alley bed, the part H9 has a portion |54 which is cylindrical in form and slides in a bore |55 in the part. A rather heavy coiled spring |56 is inserted behind the cylindrical portion |54 and serves normally to maintain that portion in the position shown in Figs. 7, 8, l0 and 11. A headed ypin |51 carried on portion |54 extends through a slot |58 in the part to limit outward movement of portion |54. The portion |54 can 7 therefore yield, if necessary, against the spring |56-, the spring being `su-fliciently heavy not to yield appreciably during normal operation of the machine.

Preferably, the motor |05 runs continuously While thev pinsetter is in use, the drive being interrupted by the clutch II4, ||5 which remains disengaged. The clutch is adapted to be engaged by means including an electric solenoid I 60 the armature l|6| of which is connected to the upper -end of a clutch lever |62 (Figs. l, 3

`and 8), the lower end of which is pivoted on a pin .|63 mounted in the casi-ng |09. The lower end yof the clutch lever is bifurcated so as t strad-dle the clutch member and carries a pair of rollers |54 operable in an annular groove |65 in the clutch member. Energization of the solenoid causes initial eng-agement of the clutch whereupon the output shaft II3 is driven to rotate the crank |16. The output shaft H3 has a cam |66 formed integrally with the crank I I6 and provided with a cam surface |61, the cam surface having a recessed portion |68 into which .a follower |69 moves when the clutch is disengaged. This follower is in the form of a roller carried on a bar |10 secured to the clutch lever I 62. Thus, when the clutch has been engaged by energization the solenoid, the cam |66 operates to keep the clutch engaged during a single revolution of the cam |66 or until the recess I 68 aga-in reaches a position opposite the roller |69 whereupon the coil spring I 1| connected between the upper end of the clutch lever |62 and. a stationary post |12 operates to disengage the clutch. A starting switch I 13 for controlling the solenoid may be located at a position convenient to the operator when standing in the pit of the alley.

The deck structure A illustrated herein is generally the same as that disclosed and claimed in 1l-S. Letters Patent No. 2,284,208 to Ernest Hed-v enskoog dated May 26, 1942. The construction of the shoes I5 and I6, the timing of their movements, and the support of each pin P in a reclining position are so inter-related that just prior to the time of setting of the pins they are supported very closely adjacent the bed and at the time of setting are given a lift so that they are set without scrapingl the bed and yet without dropping any substantial distance on to the bed. To that end, each front shoe I5, as best seen in Figs. 2, 12, 13, 15 and 16, is curved from side to side and is pivotally supported by pivot pins |16 extending through its upper rear portions and anges |11 extending downwardly from the top `of the deck frame 46. On their bottom edges, the shoes I5 are recessed at |18 to straddle the strap-like pin supporting members I3. Because of the shape of these shoes, they contact pins at their lower edges and then only at laterally spaced points. This gives each front shoe I5 a twc point contact only, assuring a more accurate action thereof on a pin to be set.

The rear jaws I6 are also curved from side to side. The shape along the lower or contact edge |19 is best seen in Fig. 13, and results in the jaw having a main portion like a blunt ended scoop. They are pivotally supported at their upper ends by pivot pins |80 on the flanges I 11 and which pins are spaced rearwardly from the front shoe pivot pins |16. Here again contact of each jaw I6 with a pin is only at spaced points of the edge |19 thereof to provide laterally spaced contact.

Suitable mechanism is provided for appropriately interconnecting the several shoes and for effecting their control from the actuating means.

Such mechanism includes a rockabl'e main shaft |8| (see Figs. 2 and 13 to 16) extending transversely of the frame 46 and journaled in castings |82 secured to a frame cross member |83. At each end, the shaft I8| has pinned thereto an arm |84 which serves as the connecting medium between the shaft and the links 96 of the actuating means, as will later appear. Also pinned to the shaft IBI for rotation therewith are a plurality of cranks |85, each having van arm |86 and one having an arm |81 almost diametrically opposed to the arm |86. These cranks all have the same angular position relative to the shaft IBI but are spaced longitudinally thereof as shown in Fig. 13. Pivotally connected to the arm |66 of each crank is one end of an actuating link |88 the other end of which is pivotally connected as by a Ypin |9| to a link |92 which is connected pivotally by a pin |93 to the front shoe of the first pocket forward of the crank. This shoe is in turn connected to the front shoe of pockets in other rows bythe link |92 and pins I 93. In this manner all of the front shoes I5 are interconnected for simultaneous action. The front shoes are yieldably urged to an open or normal position by a large tension spring |94 (Figs. 2, '12 and 13) which is anchored at one end to the frame 46 and at the other end to an arm |95 pinned on the shaft I8'I.

Loose on the shaft |8| near one end thereof is a sleeve |96 (Figs. 12, 13 and 14) having at its youter end an offset U-shaped connection |91 with a crank arm |98. At the free end of the arm and projecting laterally therefrom is a pin |99. On the inner end `of the sleeve |96 `is a second arm 200 which projects vertically. This arm has at its free end (see Figs. 12 and 16) a pin 20| connected to the forward end of a driving link 202. The rear end of the link 202 is pivotally connected to an arm 203 secured to a rear shaft 204 rotatably supported in brackets 205 on the frame |15. This and other arms 203 are connected to actuate the rear shoes I6 by links 206 and 201 and pins 208. The rear shoes I6 are also adapted to be actuated by the main shaft |8I by the upwardly extending arm |61 of one of the cranks (Figs. 12, 13, 14 and 16) which is connected to the link 201 by the hereafter described linkage. A short link 209 is pivoted at one end by a pin 2|0 to the link 201 and at its other end is formed with an elongated longitudinal slot 2II which receives a pin 2I'2 carried on the end of arm |81 of a cran-k |85. This provides a lost motion connection `with the main shaft I 8| and provides for movement of the rear shoes independently of the front shoes. A tension spring 2|3 (Figs. 2 and 13) is anchored at one end to the frame 46 and at the other end to a lug 2I4 on the link 202, thus tending te rotate the arm 200 and sleeve |96 in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Figs. 2, 15 and 16, and tending to move the rear shoes I6 to fully open position. The proportioning of the parts is `such that when the rear shoes are in pin locating position the pin 2|2 on arm |81 is just short of the righthand end of the slot 2II, as viewedl in Fig. 16.

It is a feature of this machine that both the vertical movement of the deck structure A, as well as the actual pin setting, are effected through power actuating means. The main actuating links 96 pass through slots 220 (Fig. 3) in the top of the deck frame 46 and are pivotally connected to the ends of arms |84 by the pins 91. The links 96 carry rollers 22| thereon which, when structure and then presses the button the deck structure is in its raised position as shown in Figs. 2, 15 and '16, are positioned immediately above and in contact with cam surfaces 222 on the plates 85 and 86. These cam surfaces are located alongside the slots 22u as shown best in Fig. 15a', so that during the lowering movement of the deck structure the rollers 22| ride over the cam surfaces as the links Si@ swing counterclockwise about the pins 91 (Figs. 2 and 15) to a more vertical position. As the deck structure A reaches its lowest position the rollers 22| are to the left of the cams 222 and during the following movement of the links @t the rollers pass downwardly through the wide portions 223 of the slots 220 in the deck frame. Said following movement of the links 96 causes counterclockwise movement of the arms |84 and shaft |8| to swing the shoes I5 and It towards each other to set pins. After pins are set the links 96 move upwardly first to rotate the shaft ISI clockwise to separate the front and rear shoes so they may pass over standing pins, and then to return the deck structure to its upper or loading position.

During the final portion of the upward return movement of the deck structure the rear shoes I6 are swung to the position shown in Figs. 2, l5 and 16.by engagement of crank arm |28 with a roller 224 which is rotatably mounted on the stationary frame of the mechine by a vertical rod 225 and a bracket 226 on the channel member 'I1 (Figs. 2 and 3). In this position the shoes I6 prevent pins from dropping through the pockets during the loading operation. Conversely, during the initial portion of the downward movement of the deck structure, and useful when some of the pins are standing on the alley bed, the crank arm |93 recedes from the roller 224 to permit spring 2 I3 to swing jaws I6 to full open position conditioning the pockets for the reception of standing pins.

When it is desired to pick up pins which are already standing on the alley bed, the rear shoes I6 may be swung from their full open positions to positions corresponding with those shown in Figs. 2, 15 and 16, thereby swinging the pins back onto the ledges I3. This operation of the rear shoes may be accomplished by the attendant when the deck structure is in its lowermost position by actuating the crank arm |98 in a counterclockwise direction (Figs. 2 and l5) by pressing downwardly on the pin |99 on the crank arm, as by stepping on it. Once the pins are swung back onto the ledges I3, the crank arm may be released Vbefore the deck structure rises, the pins then reclining in the chutes I I during the upward movement of the deck structure.

To operate the machine the'attendant rst inserts pins into the ten pin pockets of the deck |13. Thereupon the solenoid IBB actuates the clutch H4, ||5 through the intervening connections and at the same time pulls the roller 4||1`9 out of the cam recess |68. The crank |I6 thereupon turns with the shaft II3. During the iirst halily of the cranks revolution the deck structure moves downwardly until the members I4 engage the alley bed, after which the links 96, having reached more vertical positions than those shown in Figs. 2 and 5, press down on the arms |84 and actuate the shoes to up-end and set the pins upon the alley bed. As the crank I6 goes through its lowermost position at which time the pins are being set, the parts ||8, IIS of the connecting rod are locked together by the pin |46, which has then l0 moved to the position shown in Fig. 10. The crank continues to rotate, during its upward movement elevating the deck structure, until the time when the roller |69 re-enters the cam recess |68 and the clutch H4, IE5 is disengaged by the spring If the attendant wishes to pick up pins standing upon the alley bed, he also presses the start button |73 and as the deck structure rests upon the alley bed he presses on the pin |99 of the crank arm |98 in Figs 3, 12 and 13, and moves the rear shoes to swing the pins back on to the ledges I3, the deck structure then moving upwardly and elevating the pins with it.

I claim:

1. In combination with a bowling pinsetter having a deck structure adapted to receive bowling pins when in a raised position and to set them when in a lowered position, a supporting structure having means for guiding the deck structure vertically from its raised to its lowered position and return during a setting operation, means for counterbalancing the weight of the deck structure, and manually operable means for lowering said deck structure, said supporting structure including a pair o1' parallel horizontally extending tubular members, a power drive unit comprising a frame adapted to be clamped to said parallel tubular members and extending upwardly thereirom, a gear box supported on said frame and having input and output shafts, a motor supported on said frame and connected to drive said input shai't, a crank on said output shaft, said gear box including a clutch device operable when engaged to rotate said crank, means -operable upon completion or' a single rotation oi' the crank to disengage the clutch device, and means for connecting said crank to actuate said deck structure 'to lower and raise the deck structure during a single revolution of the crank, said connecting means being readily disconnectable to permit manual operation oi the pin setter, said connecting means including a pair of pivotally connected parts, a detent device normally connecting sald parts together at a small angle to maintain a driving connection to the deck structure and yieldable to permit the parts to pivot to a greater angle to interrupt the driving connection in the event the pin setter deck meets an obstruction, said detent device automatically re-engagmg during the remainder o1' the revolution or the crank.

Z. ln a bowling pinsetter having a deck structure provided with pin receiving and setting means thereon, a supporting structure therel'or including means i'or guiding the deck structure for vertical lowering and return movements, and a pair oi' pivotally supported arms having their Iree ends connected to said deck structure by links, in combination, a rotatably mounted crank, means for driving said crank including a motor and a clutch, means for connecting said crank to actuate said deck structure comprising a connecting rod pivotally connected at one end to a pin on said crank, a pair of links connecting the other end of said rod to said arms, said connecting rod comprising a pair of pivotally connected parts, a detent device normally connecting said parts together at a small angle to maintain a driving connection to the deck structure and yieldable to permit the parts to pivot to a greater angle to interrupt the driving connection in the event the pinsetter deck meets an obstruction, said detent device automatically re-engaging during the remainder of the revolution of the crank.

3. In a bowling pinsetter having a deck strucessence 1l ture provided with pin receiving and setting means thereon, a frame having means for guiding the deck structure for vertical upr and down movements, and means for movably supporting said deck structure -on said frame, in combination, a rotatably mounted crank, a crank pin thereon, means for driving said crank through a single revolution during a pin setting operation, means for connecting said crank to said deck structure, said connecting means comprising a pair of relatively pivoted parts, a yieldable device normally connecting said parts together at a small angle from a straight line and automatically yieldable to permit the partsy to .pivot to a greater angle and interrupt the driving connection in the -event the pin setter deck structure meets an obstruction, and a lookup device operable to prevent relative movement of said parts as the deck structure moves through its setting position.

4. In a bowling pinsetter having a deck structure provided with pin receiving and setting means thereon and mounted for vertical lowering and return movements, and a pair of pivotally supported interconnected arms having their free ends operatively connected to said deck structure, in combination, a rotatably mounted crank, means for driving said crank including a motor, means for .connecting said crank to actu-ate said deck structure `comprising a connecting rod pivotally connected atone` end to a pin on said crank, means including vat least one link connecting the other end of said rod to said arms, said con-necting rod comprising a pair of pivotally connected parts, a detent device normally connecting said parts together at asmall angle tomaintain a driving connection to the .deck str-ucture and yieldable to permit .the parts to pivot to a greater angle to interrupt the `driving connection in the event the pinsetter deck meets anfobstruction, said detent device automatically reeng-aging during the .continued movement .of the crank.

5.. Ina bowling pinsetter having a deck structure provided with pin receiving and setting means thereon and mounted for vertical lowering and. return movements, and a pair of pivotally supported interconnected arms having their free .ends .operatively -connected to said deck structure, in combination, a rotatably mounted crank, means for driving sai-d crank including a motor, means for -connecting said crank to actuate .said deck structure comprising -a connecting rod pivotally connected at one end to a pin on said crank, means including at least one link `connecting the other end of said rod to -said arms, said connecting rod comprising a pair of pivotally connected parts, a detent device normally connecting said parts together at a small angle to maintain a driving connection to the deck structure and yieldable to permit the parts to pivot to a greater angle to interrupt the dri-ving connection in the eventthe pinsetter deck meets an obstruction, said detent device automatically 11e-engaging during the continued movement of the crank, and means operable as the .deck structure moves through its setting position to prevent movement between the parts of the connecting rod.

6. In a bowling pinsetter having a deck str-ucture provided with pin receiving and setting means thereon, a. supporting structure therefor including means for guiding the deck structure for vertical lowering and return movements, and a pair of pivotally supported arms having their free ends connected to said deck structure by links, in combination, .a rotatably mounted crank,

means forv driving vsaid crank including a motor and. a clutch, means for connecting .said crank to actuate said deck structure comprising a connecting rod pivotally connected at one end to .a pin on said crank, a pair of links connecting ther other end of said rod to said arms, said connecting rod comprising a pair .of pivotally .connected parts, a spring-pressed detent .device mounted in one of said parts normally connecting. said parts together at a small angle to maintain a driving connection tothe deck. structure and vieldable to. permit the parts to pivot to a greater angle to interrupt the driving connection vi-n the event the. pinsetter deck meets an obstruction, said 4detent device automatically re-engaging during the remainder of the revolution of the crank, and means including a movable pin mounted .on one of said parts and engageable with. said other part to prevent movement between the parts of the connecting rod as the deck structure moves through its setting position.

7. A bowling pin setter having, in combination, a supporting frame, a deck structure guided on said supporting frame for vertical movement toward and from an alley bed, means biasing said deck structure toward raised position, said deck structure comprising a deck frame having a plurality of pin receiving pockets therein, pin receiving and setting mechanism carried by said deck frame including a front .and rear shoe for each pocket, actuating mechanism therefor .carried on the deckV structure, said rear shoes being mounted for movement jointly with or independently of said front shoes, independent means biasing each of said front and rear .shoes to separated positions, and means for lowering said deck frame on to the alley bed and thereafter operating the actuating mechanism for said shoes to move the front and rear .shoes towards eachother to pin setting positions comprising a lever pivotally connected to said supporting frame, a link pivotally connected to said lever and to the actuating mechanism for the shoes, said biasing means causing return of the shoes to theii` normal separated positions in response to upward movement of the deck structure, means operable when the deck frame approaches raised position to swing the rear shoes. toward the front shoes to prevent pins from dropping through the deck frame, said biasing means causing return of the rear shoes to their normal separated position in response to the initial downward movement of the deck structure, and means selectively operable alternatively when the deck frame is in its lower' pin setting position to swing said rear shoes toward the front shoes. independently thereof and transfer pinsy from the alley bed to the pin receiving mechanism.

8. A bowling pin setter having, in combination, a supporting frame, a deck structure guided lon said supporting frame for vertical movement toward and from an alley bed, means biasing said deck structure toward raised position, said .deck structure comprising a deck frame having a .plu-l rality of pin receiving pockets therein, pin receiving and setting mechanism carried by said deck frame including a front and rear shoe for each pocket, actuating mechanism therefor carried on the deck structure including a rotatable actuating shaft, said rear shoes being mounted for movement jointly with or independently of said front shoes, independent means biasing each of said front and rear shoes .to separated positions, and means for lowering .said .deck Aframe on to the alley .bed and :thereafter operating Asaid 13 actuating mechanism to move the front and rear shoes towards each other to pin setting positions comprising a lever pivotally connected to said supporting frame, a link pivotally connected to said lever and to said rotatable actuating shaft, said biasing means causing return of the shoes to their normal separated positions in response to upward movement of the deck structure, means operable when' the deck frame approaches raised position to swing the rear shoes' toward the front shoes to prevent pins from dropping through the deck frame, said biasing means causing re- -turn of the rear shoes to their normal separated position in response to the initial downward movement of the deck structure, and means including a collar surrounding a portion of said actuating shaft and operatively connected to said rear shoes selectively operable alternatively when the deck frame is in its lower pin setting position to swing said rear shoes toward the front shoes, independently thereof, and transfer pins from the alley bed to the pin receiving mechanism.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 996,250 Hughes June 27, 1911 1,153,689 Hobbs Sept. 14, 1915 1,294,959 Seymour Feb. 18, 1919 1,612,867 Hedenskoog Jan. 4, 1927 1,615,064 Bishop Jan. 18, 1927 2,015,428 Hedenskoog Sept. 24, 1935 2,229,852 Kaufman Jan. 28, 1941 2,284,208 Hedenskoog May 26, 1942 2,300,802 Parra et al Nov. 3, 1942 2,445,688 Parra et al. July 20, 1948 2,450,249 Murphy Sept. 28, 1948 2,530,385 Frye Nov. 21, 1950 2,591,265` Johns et al Apr. 1, 1952 

